SC's jolt to Kejriwal: Pot calling kettle black

Published on May 14, 2015 12:55:55 PM

Bringing in huge disappointment and embarrassment to Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, the Supreme Court on Thursday suspended an order issued by the Delhi government calling for criminal defamation cases against media houses if they bring out any news against the Delhi government or any officer associated with it.

According to the Delhi government’s circular, if any officer associated with the Delhi government feels that any news has been published or aired damaging his or the government's reputation, he should file a complaint with the principal secretary (home).

The apex court stated that Mr Kejriwal has on one hand challenged criminal defamation cases against himself stating that they encroach upon his right to freedom of speech and on the other hand he is trying to take action against the media for defaming him. "You can't do both things together - come to the Supreme Court against defamation on one hand, and then take action against the media," the judges said.

Kejriwal’s tension against the media, which has been brewing for some time, reached its peak after a farmer allegedly committed suicide in a recent AAP rally, which was widely discussed by the media.